South Floyd schools merge

HI HAT — South Floyd High School and South Floyd Middle School will now operate as one entity, following a decision by the Floyd County Board of Education.

According to Supt. Henry Webb, the board of education approved the combining of the South Floyd High School and the South Floyd Middle School during its June meeting.

Webb says the combination should only impact student learning in a positive manner.

“We made this decision based on our belief that having one leadership team will increase efficiency in areas such as vertical articulation, use of facilities and the daily management of the school,” says Webb. “While there now will only be one South Floyd, students in 6th-8th grade will remain housed on the second floor, somewhat separate from high school students as they have always been.”

Webb added that there would be some small changes to general operations of the school, however he believed that staffing changes will be minimal, and will focus on reorganizing roles of staff. Webb also said that the councils for each school will be abolished, and that a new council representing the entire school would be formed through new elections.

Carolyn Curry, the principal for the middle school retired about month ago says Webb, adding that the current high school principal, Joe Marson, would go forward as the combined school principal.

“It’s just more efficient,” said Webb. “To have two separate councils in that building was just not very efficient.” “Vertical articulation, and sharing of staff, will create a seamless transition from 6th grade through 12th.” Webb says that the merger will primarily remove any duplication in services, as well as making in school decisions more functional through efficiency.